Tonight's Meeting: Ben Rodgers Inner North Community Foundation

NORTH QUEENSLAND FLOOD RELIEF APPEAL

Disastrous flooding in North Queensland has left many families and individuals in need of assistance in their recovery. RAWCS National has established a Rotary Australia Relief Fund (RARF) Project to accept donations for those affected by the 2019 North Queensland Floods. The Flood Relief Appeal is designed to assist those families and individuals whose needs are not covered by insurance and Government assistance. Click the link below to make a donation: https://donations.rawcs.com.au/75-2018-19 Rotary Australia Relief Fund (managed by RAWCS) has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) registration and has been listed as a Charitable Fund so we can accept tax deductible donations from individuals or organisations.

VALE

On his 100th birthday Geoff received congratulations from the Queen, the Governor General, the Governor, the Prime Minister, the Premier and the Scouting movement, however, the award he was most proud of was from Barry Rassin, World President Rotary International.

His son Roger presented this short sketch of Geoff's life at his 100th birthday party.

Geoff was born in 1918, being the eldest of three boys and a girl. Denise Webb, who together with Geoff and Joan is also a resident at BUPA.

Geoff had a happy childhood living on the outskirts of Melbourne in that era. He did the normal things, like playing footy and cricket in the street and making billy carts and kites and kite - flying in the paddocks, also trying to pinch fruit from the orchards. One of his home chores was feeding the chooks. As a little boy he tried growing chooks by planting them in his garden bed. Fortunately for the chickens they were head facing upwards!

Geoff was educated at Carey Grammar until the age of 15 when he joined his father at F.J. Clarke Customs and Shipping Agents, and received a salary of 2 shillings and sixpence. He started work walking the streets and lanes of Melbourne delivering accounts. In 1936 whilst working, he joined the CMF (Citizen Military Forces). In 1939 when the Second World War began, he was called up into the permanent army as 2nd. Lieutenant, 5th Battalion. Geoff then progressed through a series of training courses to then be appointed Captain. In 1942 Geoff was serving in Western Australia when he was given leave to return to Melbourne on a troop train to marry Betty Adair, his first wife. He was six hours late for their wedding. Poor Bride!

Discharged in 1945, he returned to work with his father. They bought 2 trucks and Geoff drove one between the client and the wharves, as the majority of goods transport was by ship. Geoff studied to become a Customs Sub Agent in 1951, and continued to improve his qualifications for several years. Geoff built up a big clientele with Chinese clients, spending much time with them to familiarise them with Customs tariff regulations and translation for importation.

Betty and Geoff had four children: John, Roger, and twins Anne and Lynne, and eight grandchildren. They had a home in Camberwell, and Betty was able to stay home and care for her children. Their first car was a little Renault 4CV (cheval-vapeur) with suicide doors.( I know, because I remember falling out onto the road, when holding onto the door handle...whilst the car was moving!) Holidays were mainly at Wilson's Promontory which was the favourite spot, and Geoff enjoyed fishing for mullet in the surf. Later they bought a holiday house at Venus Bay where Geoff became involved with the Venus Bay Surf Lifesaving Club and became president, and also as president of the Foreshore Committee and Crown Lands Bailiff. He became Victorian State Commodore of the Royal Victorian Coastal Patrol from 1981-1985

Meanwhile, back in Camberwell, life became busy. Betty took an interest in pottery, art painting and gardening, the boys joined Cubs and Scouts, and Geoff was asked to run a Rover Scout Crew at the 16th Camberwell scout group. The Rovers, now in their late 70's still meet with Geoff once a year for lunch. Scouting moved on for Geoff to becoming District Commissioner of Camberwell, then to stints as acting Chief Commissioner of Victoria from 1974-1979. Over his time in scouting, he took part in organising Jamborees, Scouting courses, Rover Moots etc. and in 1971 Geoff was awarded the MBE medal (Member of the British Empire ) for services to scouting.

When F.J. Clarke and Sons moved to Richmond, Geoff and other business men formed the Richmond Rotary Club in 1964. He was a president, and was later awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship, and Richmond Chamber of commerce citizen of the year 1972. He was Trustee of the Richmond day nursery 1977-1992.

(Editor's note: Through Geoff's business, our own Trevor Pang was introduced to Rotary and joined our club, whilst Chris Wang joined Melbourne. Both fine additions to the Rotary movement.)

During their marriage, Betty suffered from clinical depression, which she managed to hide from everyone, but supported Geoff in his social life, overcoming her fear of public outings. She was a great cook, and it was a big shock to everyone, especially her family, when she died of acute leukaemia, only one week after diagnosis. Geoff had retired from work several years before this tragic event, so they were able to spend time together enjoying holidays around Australia and New Zealand.

Later, Geoff married Joan, and they have been happily married for 26 years. They eventually sold their homes and moved to Berwick. After the death of Geoff's mother at 105, they toured overseas visiting relatives in Britain, and Ireland, Europe; and friends in Hong Kong and Tokyo. On returning home they bought a camper van and spent several years touring Australia, especially Western Australia's' wildflowers, and Darwin where he was stationed during the war. Geoff especially loved Wilson's Promontory. He spent a week there every year with Joan. (Editor's note: It is ironical that I was hiking through Lilly Pilly Gully at the Prom when notified of Geoff's death)

They had hoped to live out their lives in their home in Berwick, however Geoff became unwell, and Joan had two nasty falls, and following family and professional discussions, it was decided it was time for them to move into care. With Joan being in hospital, Geoff had to make difficult decisions: where to live, selling their home, and packing and sorting goods and chattels.

Fortunately, Geoff had help from family and friends. Since June 2016, until the present, Joan and Geoff are happily sharing a room together at BUPA, Narre Warren Nth.

*********

Condolences to Joan and his children; John, Roger, Anne and Lynne from all of us at Richmond.

Geoff will always be remembered by me for his unfailing good manners, his zest for life, his hard work and commitment to all he undertook, his good humour, his beaming smile and the most wonderful twinkle in his eye.

Geoff certainly knew how to' make a difference' and was an inspiration to us all. A perfect example of "Service above Self". R.I.P.

Presidents Weekly Message – 11/2/2019

This week we mourn the loss of our Charter Member Rotarian Geoff Clarke. I have extended our sympathy to Joan and their family on behalf of our Members. It was only last year we were celebrating Geoff's 100th Birthday.

Community Connections
City of Yarra

A Community BBQ was held on Wednesday 6 February at Butler Park Lennox Street. I would like to thank our members and friends who volunteered their support for the BBQ on what was a very hot day – Mark Dwyer, John Benger, Les Frampton, Melinda Dunkley and Sally O'Sullivan.

We have another booked for 6 March if any members or friends would like to volunteer please advise Melinda Dunkley.

Hi Jo,

I'd like to again thank you and your incredible team for another highly successful BBQ.

We've received some really positive feedback from both agency staff and Councillors – not to mention the North Richmond community about how the event went, and that's largely due to the warm and inviting way that the Rotary engage with the community.

We look forward to having you back again on 6 March, and I'll be in touch later this month.

Kind regards,

Simon Osborne
Economic Development Coordinator

The Mayor, Danae Bosler,
joined in at the BBQ

Inner North Community Foundation

On the 14 February Tim Baker will attend the Northern Funders gathering which will be a ½ day workshop on practical aspects of grant making, to raising awareness, and engaging volunteers. Tim Baker has secured a grant from the Inner North Community Foundation for the Next Step Project and the Executive Director Ben Rodgers will be the Club's guest speaker this Monday 11 February.

Lendlease

Please support the partnership we have formed with Lendlease by attending the upcoming Celebrating an Inspiring Woman event. Nia sent out the invitations last week and I encourage you to think about a guest who has inspired you and invite them to attend. This will be a great opportunity to network, thank someone who has inspired you and to support our partnership with the Melbourne Girls College and Lendlease.

The event will be held on Tuesday 26 February and you are required to register for this free event sponsored by Lendlease.

How can we support the Club for the event?

We can do this by sharing information, inviting friends, family and colleagues to support us and to extend our invitations beyond the Club.

We will have a market place where we can showcase our Club, the Next Step Project and other relevant market stalls. Les Frampton has offered to participate on the Rotary Information stand and Tim Baker and Katrina Dwyer will be able to provide information to interested attendees re the Next Step Project. Please let me know if you are able to assist on the RCR Information Stall.

We will be showcasing the RCR Next Step Project and any donations received will be directed to this project.

We are continuing our planning for the event and I am sure many will be inspired by the panel and by individual messages from those who have inspired us.

If members would like to attend but will not be bringing a guest, we can allocate to a table with a MGC student.

We are so fortunate to have such wonderful partnerships

Membership

On Monday 18 February we will hold a Membership Focus Meeting (at our Club meeting) and I welcome our members and friends to participate in this meeting. Adam Sherwell; President Elect 2019-2020 will facilitate the meeting.

This will provide an opportunity for us all to participate:

Where do you think we are now?
Where do you think we need to be?
What are our challenges we face in order to get there?

We need to continue our commitment to growing our membership

Fundraising

Through community connections we ask our members and friends to support the following fundraising events to be held at the Melbourne Girls College

Motto Pop Up Shop on 16 March and our major fundraising event –

Club Trivia Night on 30 March both to be held at the MGC.

We can support our fundraising efforts by sharing information, inviting friends, family and colleagues and by extending invitations beyond the Club.

Thank you, Melinda, for your continued support

Multi District Conference

This week many of us will attend the Multi District Conference here in Melbourne.

I am looking forward to the Club dinner on Friday 15 February at Mister Minh 350 Bridge Rd Richmond.

A conference report to the members and friends will be provided in the next edition of the Bulletin.

Ainger Peck Public Speaking Award

This ward has been renamed the Ainger Peck Public Speaking Award in recognition of two outstanding Richmond Rotarians Ern Ainger and Nigel Peck. Nigel's wife Patricia attended our Club Meeting last week when Ben Hosking announced the new name for the Awards. Patricia Peck was thrilled that the Club has acknowledged the contribution of the Peck Family and NHP over many years.

Ben will be requesting assistance for the upcoming heats at the Lyceum Melbourne Girls' College on:

Monday May 6, Tuesday May 7, Wednesday May 8, Thursday May 9 from 7.30pm to 10.00pm. The Final Awards Night will be held on Monday 20 May at the Amora Hotel and it will be a great celebration of 30 years of this RCR Project.

Club Meeting

Next Meeting will be Monday 18th February and we will hold our Membership Focus Meeting.

Next Board Meeting is scheduled on Monday 18 February and will follow on from the Club Meeting – I will confirm this Board Meeting with the Board as we may defer.

Until next week – Yours in Rotary Service, President Jo

Club Celebrations

Guest Invitation

The Rotary Club of Richmond is celebrating
inspirational women with an event at
Melbourne Girls' College. The evening will
see 50 individuals invite a woman who has
been an inspiration in their life.
Many people have played a pivotal role in
my life. However, I am most inspired and
grateful for all of the support and guidance
you have provided to me over the years. I
would be honoured if you would be able to
attend as my guest to this event.
The evening will provide an opportunity to
hear from a panel of inspiring leaders:
Jeanette Large (CEO, Women's Property
Initiatives), Luz Restrepo (Founder & CEO, SisterWorks), Bronwyn Stephens
(District Governor, Rotary District 9800) and Amanda Stone (Yarra City
Councillor) who will be sharing their insights on leadership and stories that
have inspired their successful journey.

International Women's Day Celebration - Melbourne Girl's College

Melbourne Girls' College will be hosting their own IWD event on Tuesday 5th March at 6.00pm. There will be a Motivational Presentation with Guest Speaker Rachael Robertson.

Rachael is a proven leader: having successfully led in the world's toughest workplace - Antarctica. She is recognized internationally for her thought-leadership on what great leadership actually looks like. She was the youngest and just the second female expedition leader to Davis Station.

More information to follow

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

Join thousands of Rotary members in Hamburg for the opportunity of a lifetime at the Rotary International Convention, 1-5 June. Attend general sessions to hear the latest news from Rotary senior leaders, learn new skills and engage in absorbing discussions at our breakout sessions, and take in the local culture both at the House of Friendship and at exciting host-ticketed events, which offer something fun for everyone.

Hamburg, known as the gateway to the world, is an eco-friendly city that offers many easy and affordable transportation options. Plan to extend your stay so that you can explore all that Europe has to offer.

Tonight's Meeting: 30 years of the Aingers

A customer at a Rotary BBQ asked for a 'sunburnt' sausage.(old slang term for well cooked) This prompted Jenny Berends of Carrum Downs to pen the following with apologies to Dorothea Mackellar:

I love a sunburnt sausage,
At a Rotary barbecue.
I love it on a slice of bread
With sauces, one or two.
I love the camaraderie
As we watch the bangers fry.
The smell of onions cooking
To tempt the passers by.
Its beauty and its goodness
It's the sunburnt snag for me

President's Weekly Message - 4/2/2019

would like to express my condolences to Melinda Dunkley on the passing of her father John Dunkley, Ben Hosking attended the funeral as a Rotary Club of Richmond member and as a Melbourne Cricket Club Volunteer. Ben volunteered with John at the Melbourne Cricket Club on a regular basis. John Dunkley was committed to charity work through his church, the MCC and other voluntary groups. Melinda our thoughts are with you and your family.

Community Connections
City of Yarra

Community BBQ Wednesday 6 February at Butler Park Lennox Street 11.30. City of Yarra - William Cooper oration on Australia Day was attended by Rotarian Janice Peeler

Next week I will attend my first City of Yarra Networkers Meeting

Inner North Community Foundation

On the 14 February Tim Baker will attend the Northern Funders gathering which will be a ½ day workshop on practical aspects of grant making, to raising awareness, and engaging volunteers. Tim Baker has secured a grant from the Inner North Community Foundation for the Next Step Project and the Executive Director Ben Rodgers will be the Club's guest speaker on Monday 11 February.

Lendlease

Our Club in partnership with Lendlease will be holding the "Celebrating Inspirational Women" event at the Melbourne Girls College on Tuesday 26 February at 6pm providing an opportunity to recognise International Women's Day and to thank a woman or women who have inspired us to make a difference.

On Thursday 30 January I met with Nia Holdenson, Jenny List and Kirsten Steedmen to refine the logistics for this event. Nia is continuing to liaise with the Melbourne Girls College and providing support to the event.

The concept of the event is for 50 individuals (men and women) to invite and celebrate 50 women who have positively impacted their lives. The event will be held at Melbourne Girls College.

We have confirmed that the School Captain Gen Cox will MC the event and may be joined by other students from the school executive. Gen was sponsored by our Club as an Outbound Exchange Student and was the founding member of the MGC Interact Club.

As part of the event, there will be a panel discussion with influential individuals in Melbourne.

We have secured Jeanette Large as a champion of change for women within the housing industry and Telstra Business Woman of the Year, the work Jeanette has undertaken and the stories of empowerment will be inspiring. We can now confirm Cr Amanda Stone City of Yarra Councillor and past Mayor, Amanda is a community activist involved in campaigns to protect Yarra's liveability, environment and heritage, she believes that the challenges of a changing city can only be met by council in partnership with the community. Rotary D9800, DG Bronwyn Stephens, Bronwyn is the current District Governor of Rotary District 9800 and joined the Rotary Club of Melbourne South in 2008. Bronwyn has been involved in water and education programmes in Cambodia and continues to support the Rotary World of Difference project that powerfully portrays the work of Rotary in developing countries and Luz Restrepo CEO Sisterworks.

From Luz

"I believe in the power of women from many nations working together. I studied Medicine in my native Colombia, graduated as a GP and worked in Casualty. Finding that I enjoyed hospital administration more, I moved into an administrative role gaining Graduate Diplomas in Business Administration and Marketing and an MA in Communication. Before leaving Colombia in 2010 I had established my own communications company and was a university lecturer in Marketing.

As a political refugee, I arrived in Australia in 2010, with my life in tatters and spoke no English. I felt like a nobody: frightened, isolated and disempowered. I soon discovered that I was not alone. In 2011, along with a group of 25 women experiencing similar challenges, we began to make and sell crafts around Melbourne. We understood that to support each other is also to strengthen each other.

SisterWorks Inc. was born in May 2013 when a committee of volunteers joined us with legal, fund-raising, marketing, and administrative skills to give support and structure to the project. Today, SisterWorks is a not-for-profit social enterprise 'Handmade with Love in Melbourne'. SisterWorks supports women who are migrants, asylum seekers or refugees to become financially independent and happily settled in Australia.

Now SisterWorks Family is formed of over 170 Sisters: 68 remarkable volunteers, four tireless staff members and 88 amazing women who are working hard to become entrepreneurs or to have work experience in Australia that allows them to become self-sufficient and independent."

Lendlease is currently working with community groups such as the Rotary Club of Richmond, the Country Women's Association and Money For Jam, a program designed to help women over the age of 50, who are at risk of homelessness, turn their hobbies into micro-enterprises and supplement their incomes. They have partnered with the Zonta Club of Melbourne on Yarra to assist in the making of Breast Care Cushions. The result of a working bee resulted in over 100 cushions being made for distribution to our local hospitals.

The Rotary Club of Richmond's Next Step Project will be showcased at this event and I met with Tim Baker on Thursday to discuss this.

We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful partnership with the Melbourne Girls College and I thank the school for this partnership.

Friends of the Rotary Club of Richmond (FORR)

On 23 February, 27 members and friends attended a very successful tour of Parliament House, enjoyed a very interesting and informative tour of the House followed by a delicious lunch. A FORR raffle was held with proceeds raised being directed to student at Richmond High School who may need some 'return to school' assistance. Thank you to Sally and Maureen for arranging this event.

From the Board Meeting

The Board and Committee Chairs met last Thursday 24 Jan and here are some key points of discussion

Maluk

It was an opportunity to congratulate John Benger on securing the DFAT Grant for $60,000's, we now hope that through Foundation we are able to secure an international grant which would further boost the funds for this very worthy health services project .

John is supported by the International Committee, Rotarians Janice Peeler, Dawn Giltinan and Andrew Cochrane.

Membership

The Board recognised the importance of membership for our Club to succeed and to continue to do the amazing and inspirational projects that our Club supports both locally and internationally. We need to work together to grow our membership and I would like to propose that we hold a membership forum to look at ways to grow membership and involve our members and friends – details to follow.

What does Rotary Offer?

Rotary is an international membership organization made up of people who share a passion for and commitment to enhancing communities and improving lives across the world. Rotary clubs exist in almost every country. Our members change lives locally and connect with other clubs to work on international projects that address today's most pressing challenges. Being a member is an opportunity to take action and make a difference, and it brings personal rewards and lifelong friendships in the process.

Rotary's value of integrity. The Four-Way Test has long served as an ethical guide for members to live by in their personal and professional relationships.

OF THE THINGS WE THINK, SAY OR DO:

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

It provides an opportunity to make a difference in our local and international communities through our many youth, community, international and vocational projects.

It provides friendship

It provides an opportunity to network

Rotary is the world's largest non-Government Foundation providing educational and humanitarian aid. Rotary is non-political and non-religious, recognising the needs of all people to work together to achieve world-wide peace and prosperity.

I would like our friends and colleagues to consider membership of our great Club; maybe we could share our Bulletin with friends, family and colleagues to showcase the club projects, information and events. We need to continue our commitment to growing our membership

Policy and Procedure

The Board discussed what information was available to the Club. District 9800 has a number of policy and procedure resources available and the Club has the Rotary Club of Richmond's By Laws.

FUNDRAISING

This Saturday a number of members and friends attended the fundraising event Anna's Pasta Night – thank you Anna for your generosity. Monies raised will go towards a new stove for the Donations in Kind (DIK) Kitchen.

Through community connections we ask our members and friends to support the following fundraising events:

Motto Pop Up Shop on 16 March and our major fundraising event –The RCR Trivia Night on 30 March both to be held at the MGC.

We can do this by sharing information, inviting friends, family and colleagues to support us and to extend our invitations beyond the Club.

Melinda and I are off to explore the Camberwell Market and look at the possibility of a RCR Stall

Thank you, Melinda, for your continued support

ON TO CONFERENCE

Thank you, Barry, for arranging the Club Dinner on Friday 15 February at Mister Minh Bridge Rd Richmond. The RC Carlton will be joining us and I am looking forward to a delicious banquet. The Club Dinner is open to members and friends of RCR. There are 16 Members attending the Multi District Conference and a number of us have booked our accommodation at the Amora Hotel. We have some members attending the Peace Summit on the Friday.

MEETINGS

Ainger Public Speaking Award

On Monday night Ben will provide us with an informative and historical picture of the Ainger Public Speaking Awards. Ben will also be making a special announcement!

Please put the 20 May into your diaries as we celebrate 30 Years of this wonderful project and opportunity for young students.

Program

Updates of the upcoming program of guest speakers and events are in the

Club Bulletin

Club Meeting Next Meeting will be Monday 11th February and we will welcome Ben Rodgers Executive Director of Inner North Community Foundation, Tim Baker will chair the meeting.

Until next week – Yours in Rotary Service, President Jo

Club Celebrations

Anniversaries: Simon & Elissa Marriott 8th February 2003

News from NYSF participants – Molly Sharrock and Hannah Ross

Hello Ms Holdenson!
I just wanted to let you know that Hannah and I both had incredible experiences at the NYSF over January. We can't thank you, and the rest of Richmond Rotary enough for all your support in getting us both there and we would be more happy to come to an upcoming meeting to talk about our experiences.
Thanks again, Molly and Hannah

Stephanie Woollard – Rotary Club of Melbourne

When Melbourne resident Stephanie Woollard visited Nepal for the first time in 2004, the then 22-year-old decided to invest her last remaining $200 of her holiday money in helping seven disabled Nepali women.

The money helped to give those women additional skills that Stephanie hoped would help them lead a dignified life, away from the discrimination they experienced in their marginalised communities.

In 2006, she started a company called Seven Women in the Nepali capital Kathmandu. Her goal was to help the women produce items that could be sold locally and internationally. After 13 years, the project is said to have helped more than 5,000 Nepali women, and Stephanie has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the international community through humanitarian aid. Stephanie said the award would give her an opportunity to share Seven Women's success story with a broader audience. "The award is a fantastic way to show what we've been able to create in Nepal and the (positive) impact on some of the most marginalised women's lives in the country." In 2016 Stephanie was awarded the Inaugural International Responsible Business Award at the United Nations headquarters in the US. "The work has led me to places I'd never imagined going, to share our model of sustainable development," she says. "I never imagined when I first met the women, [the] seven initial women, who were operating out of a tiny tin-shed in Kathmandu that it would grow to this extent."The success of Seven Women also helped her setup Kathmandu Cooking School and a study tour company called Hands On Development, which runs tours to Nepal for school and university students from Australia. She hopes to inspire Australians to take meaningful actions within their communities through these tours.Stephanie has now been to Nepal more than 35 times and says the country has enriched her life.

"Choosing the road of being an entrepreneur, the self- growth is continuous. The people you meet are extremely generous".

"Nepal has taught me to prioritise what's important in life and not sweat on small stuff", she says.

However, more than for herself, Stephanie is exceptionally proud of what the Nepali women have been able to achieve.

"The women now know what they want to do in the future. Sandhya, who has a disability, used to hide her face behind a mask in public is now leading the tours and literacy classes."

"She wants to teach other disabled people, show them they can achieve anything."

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the following District 9800 Rotarians who have also been honoured in this year's Australia Day Awards

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

Join thousands of Rotary members in Hamburg for the opportunity of a lifetime at the Rotary International Convention, 1-5 June. Attend general sessions to hear the latest news from Rotary senior leaders, learn new skills and engage in absorbing discussions at our breakout sessions, and take in the local culture both at the House of Friendship and at exciting host-ticketed events, which offer something fun for everyone.

Hamburg, known as the gateway to the world, is an eco-friendly city that offers many easy and affordable transportation options. Plan to extend your stay so that you can explore all that Europe has to offer.

Tonight's Meeting: Welcome to our first Club meeting for 2019.

This year we will see a price increase for our Dinner Meetings - the price will be increased to $35 (this will include the $2 Happy Dollar).
We will still have a "Happy Moment" with no monetary contribution at the meeting.

The Amora Hotel like many other businesses has had to increase our meal rate and therefore this is reflected in the increase in the dinner meeting fee.
The money we receive at the Dinner Meetings covers the cost of the dinner and a small amount is distributed for club administration.

Why do we do this?

The Rotary Club of Richmond does not use any of its fundraising money to cover any administration of the Club. The money for administering the Club comes from our annual dues and a small amount from weekly dinner meeting fees and the happy dollar.

This decision has been made in consultation with the Treasurer and Board members.

In addition to our meals the Amora provide us with:

Complementary Parking for all Rotary Members and Guests

Waiter service and room set up

Reduced Bar Prices

Storage Facilities

The ability to go from 30 to 100 + attendees at no extra cost to the club (Ainger/Slade other Club events)

Audio/visual support

Friendly and supportive staff

The Amora has confirmed that other than the price increase for meals all of the above will continue to be offered.

Member A/Prof
Andrew Cochrane
included a trek in
Nepal in his
December. He is
pictured at 15000
feet with Mount
Everest in the
background.
Looking at such treks
on The Discovery
Channel seems far
more sensible!!!!
John Benger

President's Weekly Message - 21/1/2019

Firstly, I would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year and may the year ahead be happy, successful and rewarding. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank members, friends and the supporters of our Club for their ongoing engagement with our Club.

Club Recognitions 2018-2019

It was my great honour to be able to acknowledge the commitment of two of our outstanding members.

Rotarian Chris Kemp - International Chair

Paul Harris Fellowship Recognition

Chris joined our Club in July 2013 introducing us to an international project in Bali. Chris has continued to support international projects through our Club and we can be very proud of the success of these projects. Inspiring Rotarians, friends and family to embrace projects that make a difference in communities locally and abroad.

Chris led our Club in 2017-2018 and as the Club's President he inspired us and we loved his sense of fun, his enthusiasm and his commitment.

I would like to acknowledge the support Chris receives from his partner Mel and his family.

Rotarian Tim Baker - Community and Vocational Chair

Royce Abbey Award

Tim joined Rotary in September 1992 and has been committed to making a difference to the lives of many young people in the City of Yarra whose lives have been changed by Tim's commitment.

Tim has been the Community and Vocational Services Chair for many years and in this role, he has introduced the Club to a number of outstanding projects which include the Rotary Youth Arts Project, the Next Step Project and Mock Job interviews.

Tim you are an inspiration to me and to our members and supporters, thank you for all that you do to make a difference.

I would like to acknowledge Tim's wife Ann for her support.

Community Connections
City of Yarra

As a representative of our Club I have joined a City of Yarra volunteer network group and have my first meeting on Wednesday 13 February.

Community BBQ confirmed for Wednesday 6 February at Butler Park Lennox Street 11.30 to 2pm if you would like to join the BBQ volunteers please let me know and I will provide all details.

Inner North Community Foundation

On the 14 February I will attend the Northern Funders gathering which will be a 1/2 day workshop on practical aspects of grant making, to raising awareness, and engaging volunteers. Tim Baker has secured a grant from the Inner North Community Foundation for the Next Step Project and the Executive Director Ben Rodgers will be the Club's guest speaker on Monday 11 February.

Richmond Police

Ciaran invited members and friends of Rotary to visit the Richmond Police Station to have a look at the facility and to see the Honour Board. I will forward Ciaran's mobile to members so that you can arrange a visit.

Lendlease

The "Celebrating 100 Women" event will be held at the Melbourne Girls College on Tuesday 26 February at 6pm and this will be an opportunity to recognise International Women's Day and to thank a woman or women who have inspired us to make a difference.

The concept of the event is for 100 individuals (men and women) to invite / celebrate 100 women who have positively impacted their lives. The event will be at Melbourne Girls College (to inspire the next generation).

As part of the event, there will be a panel discussion with influential individuals in Melbourne. We have secured Jeanette Large as a champion of change for women within the housing industry and Telstra Business Woman of the Year, the work Jeanette has undertaken and the stories of empowerment will be inspiring.

The event will be coordinated by our Club and Lendlease and I will keep you all informed. A Rotary committee will be formed to assist with any logistics and catering will be managed by Lendlease. This will be a free community event and the club will raise funds for the Next Step Project which has a shortfall of approx. $3000 following successful Grant submissions.

Nia is liaising with the Melbourne Girls College as we would like to involve the student executive.

If any members would like to join the "Celebrating 100 Women" Rotary Committee please let me know. A great example of a Community Partnership with our Club.

Our Club's Christmas Party at the Melbourne Girls' CollegeM

I have received feedback from a number of attendees who enjoyed the Club's Christmas Party. Last year we decided on a different approach hosting the event at the Melbourne Girls' College. We were blessed with a beautiful evening and over 90 attendees. Jenny List and her committee arranged the catering and this was a success, it was however quite a lot of work and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who contributed to the success of the evening. It was great to see Rotarians, friends, family and partners attend the celebratory event. The Salvation Army Band was as always, a wonderful addition to the evening and providing the real spirit of Christmas. I would like to thank the Band lead by Rotarian Warren Golding; it was a privilege for our Club to make a donation to the Salvation Army who does outstanding work in the community.

Goldit's dance group provided some spectacular and vibrant pre dinner entertainment and thank you Goldit for arranging this it was a great success.

It was great to have DG Bronwyn Stephens and Mark attend along with PDG Neville John and Rebecca.

We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful partnership with the Melbourne Girls' College and I thank the school for this partnership.

FORR

On 23 February a number of members and friends will attend the tour of Parliament Houser. Thank you to Sally and Maureen for arranging this event.

International Projects
Maluk

John Benger's submission for a DFAT Grant was successful, receiving $60,000's. This is an outstanding result for the Club and in particular the Maluk Project, this grant will make a difference to health service provision in Timor Leste.

John is supported by the International Committee, Rotarians Janice Peeler, Dawn Giltinan and Andrew Cochrane.

The Committee has been invited to attend the Board Meeting on the 24 January to update us on the status of the Project and the DFAT Funding.

Chaughada Progressive English School in Nepal.

This project recently received a donation from the RC Moonah Tasmania; Ben Covelli was pleased to receive this donation.

Ben has also asked if there would be any teachers who may consider the following:

TEACHING INTERNSHIP STARTING APRIL 2019

We are providing a 5-month teaching internship at our school.

You will receive:

Return air fare to Nepal.
Travel insurance coverage for the period.
Free lodging and food.
A living allowance.

We are after a teacher or a professional with experience working with children.

The internship is for 5 months commencing in April 2019. You will work with grades 4-6.

We are after someone that can bring creative ideas to the school...your work will not just be teaching from a text book...but you will be required to bring your own initiatives to the classroom. Be it from music, poetry, art, building, drama, travel and life in general.

The successful applicant must be able to draw on his/her life experiences and use these as a form of learning and education and assist our children to explore their ideas and develop their self-expression, confidence and learning in a child centred learning environment.

Club Celebrations

The Multi District Conference is coming!

The Club Dinner is booked at Bouzy Rouge for Friday 15th. See Barry Roberts.

The Club Dinner is a highlight and all members and friends are invited. There will also be attendees from the Cluster.

DGE Grant Hocking and Melissa travelled to the International Assembly in San Diego for the last of their training before taking office on July 1st. There they that met up with Brian and Lynn Hall. Brian was a great Rotary International President's Representative RIPR at D9800 Warrnambool conference 2018. There was a big HELLO from Brian and Lynn to all their friends in D9800.

In San Diego the new theme and logo for 2019-2020 was announced.

Rotary Connects the World

Rotary International President-elect Mark Daniel Maloney explained his vision for building a stronger Rotary, calling on leaders to expand connections to their communities and to embrace innovative membership models. The video and link to download the 2019-2020 Theme material and Presidential Citation are available on the District 9800 website https://rotarydistrict9800.org.au/

The latest District Bulletin is on the D9800 website at www.rotarydistrict9800.org.au.